Steampunks in San Jose

A Visit to Clockwork Alchemy 2016

By Stephen Beale

Thursday, June 9, 2016

This article originally appeared on sbealeonline.com.

I've long been a fan of steampunk, but Clockwork Alchemy in San Jose was my first steampunk convention. A couple things I learned: Many steampunks are highly creative, and they know how to pose for the camera.

Clockwork Alchemy was held in conjunction with FanimeCon, a much larger anime convention a few miles south in downtown San Jose. I didn't get a chance to see that, but some anime characters came in to mingle with the steampunks.

Clockwork Alchemy 2016

Steampunk parlor My first stop was the Artist's Gallery. This Victorian parlor was created by the Sacramento Steampunk Society. The dive suit, known affectionately as "Stanley," was made by Fred Jeska, aka Commander "Whiskey Nick" Triton. I caught up with him later in the Artist's Bazaar.

Steampunk Rock Stars On the left, Bradley Harrington III of The Cog is Dead. In the middle, Nathaniel Johnstone of The Nathaniel Johnstone Band. Seated at right is Clockwork Alchemy volunteer Lynn Skaar.

Authors' Alley Steampunk author Michael Tierney demonstrates the "Luminous Matter Chamber," which powers an airship in his novel, To Rule the Skies.

Free Haiku Author Kirsten Weiss uses an antique typewriter to compose free haiku for Clockwork Alchemy attendees. She was promoting her steampunk novels, which are set in 19th century San Francisco.

Honoring Emperor Norton John Lumea is founder and president of The Emperor's Bridge Campaign, which seeks to have the SF-Oakland Bay Bridge named for Joshua Abraham Norton. "Emperor Norton," as he was known, was perhaps the original San Francisco eccentric.

Teapot Races Clockwork Alchemy attendees were challenged to steer these remote-controlled teapots through an obstacle course.

Gear wall Steamy Tech owners Lora and Greg Price invited attendees to help build a gear wall. They describe their work as "Old World art inspired by modern technology."

This way to the Alchemist Tea Parlor . . .where attendees could sample exotic brews such as Dragon's Blend and Alternate Empires Chai.

Friendly dragon This dragon flew in from the anime festival. Despite the scary appearance, it was quite friendly, high-fiving and fist-bumping the Clockwork Alchemy attendees.

Welcome

The Steampunk Explorer is an online magazine and resource directory for steampunk enthusiasts and creators. You'll find stories about people, places and events in the steampunk world, as well as guides to retail outlets, museums, galleries, eateries, and other attractions in 36 North American regions, with more to come. We also have several pages of resources for artists, writers, and people with an interest in 19th century history. The site launched in March 2018 and is currently in public beta (meaning "please excuse our dust"). Read more. . .